RoadVitals

1995 Ford Taurus Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
1,205
Latest Jun 19, 2017
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
114

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1995 Ford Taurus, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

356
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SUB FRAME.

NHTSA ID 10811222 · filed Dec 19, 2015

I WAS DRIVING ALONG WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN A BIG BANG CAR SLAMMED PAVEMENT BEGAN TO SWERVE. STARTED SMOKING OFF BURNED RUBBER TIRE POPPED AN CAR WAS BROKE DOWN WHEEL DANGLING. *TR

NHTSA ID 10573609 · filed Mar 19, 2014
All 356 reports naming engine

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

250
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THIS PAST SUNDAY, ON JUNE 11, 2017 I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM A GRADUATION PARTY AND THERE WAS A LOUD "POW" ONCE I ACCELERATED FROM A STOP. MY STEERING WAS VERY STIFF (AS IF I WAS DRIVING AN ANCIENT LARGE TRUCK WITH NO POWER STEERING, ALSO MY EXHAUST SYSTEM AT LEAST PARTIALLY CAME UNDUN. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CRIPPLED CAR TO OUR REGULAR REPAIR SHOP, WHO TOLD ME THAT I HAD A SUBFRAME RUST-COLLAPSE. I HAD TALKED TO A SHADETREE MECHANIC FRIEND, WHO SAID THAT IT WASN'T AN ACTUAL SUBFRAME COLLAPSE, BUT THE NEXT LAYER UP, THE ENGINE CRADLE WHOSE SLEEVES ARE NO THICKER STEEL THAN THE UNIBODY SHEETMETAL. ONE OF THE SLEEVES RUSTED THROUGH. SUPPOSEDLY THE ENGINE CRADLE SLEEVES ARE REMOVABLE/OR THE CRADLE ITSELF. MY MECHANIC FRIEND AND THE TOW FELLOW THAT BROUGHT MY CAR BACK TO MY HOME, BOTH SAID THAT WHAT HAPPENED IS QUITE RARE, THEY NEVER HEARD OF SUCH AN INCIDENT. THE CRADLE RUST THROUGH CAUSED MY FRONT SUBFRAME TO PARTIALLY COLLAPSE AND THE ENGINE IS TILTED DOWN ON THE RIGHT-FRONT. THIS DISCONNECTED THE EXHAUST AND BOUND-UP MY RACK-AND-PINION STEERING, RENDERING THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THIS CAR IS NOT A RUST-BUCKET, NO RUSTY BODY PANEL HOLES, AND EVERYTHING ELSE STILL WORKS! JUST THE PAINT AND CLEARCOAT ARE FLAKING-OFF. I HAVE LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND SEARCHED LOCAL SALVAGE YARDS, BUT CANNOT FIND A GOOD ENGINE CRADLE/SLEEVES. YET, THERE ARE SCADS OF GOOD TAURUS ENGINES CHEAPLY AVAILABLE. WHY DIDN'T FORD OFFER REPLACEMENT ENGINE CRADLE/SLEEVES? WAS THERE NO RECALL? I'D BET I'M NOT THE ONLY PERSON THIS HAPPENED TO!! I WOULD LIKE TO GET THIS CAR FIXED! I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE SUBFRAME FALLEN AFTER THE ENGINE CRADLE FAILURE. PLEASE SEND ME AN E-MAIL ADDRESS I CAN UPLOAD THEM TO. I LOSE THIS PAGE IF I TRY TO UPLOAD HERE (4TH TIME!)

NHTSA ID 10995826 · filed Jun 19, 2017

1. THE ENGINE PROBLEM WAS A BLOWN HEAD GASKET 2. THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WAS A PLANETARY GEAR MELTDOWN. I REPLACED THE PLANETARY GEARSET AND THE FIBER PARTS, PLATES AND SEALS. I ALSO INSTALLED AN AXOD DAM KIT MADE BY SHIFT TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS TO INCREASE THE LUBRICATION TO THE PLANETARIES. UNFORTUNATELY, THE TRANSMISSION STILL HAS THE SAME DELAYED SHIFTS FROM SECOND TO THIRD AND THIRD TO FOURTH AND A DELAYED AND HARSH THIRD TO SECOND DOWNSHIFT THAT IT ALWAYS HAD (IT WAS MY WIFES CAR WHEN I MET HER AND IT HAD 30000 MILES ON IT AT THAT TIME). 3. RUNS ON THE HOT SIDE EVEN AFTER THE HEAD GASKET CHANGE. I'VE REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT SEEVERAL TIMES AND THE WATER PUMP ONCE AND THE RADIATOR ONCE. I FINALLY REMOVED THE THERMOSTAT AND LET IT RUN WITHOUT ONE AND THE GAGE WILL STILL RUN IN THE MIDDLE. ALSO, THE COOLING FAN WORKS.

NHTSA ID 10069906 · filed Jan 15, 2004
All 250 reports naming powertrain (other)

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

152
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). 1995 FORD TAURUS,FAN MOTOR FROZE, FORD SAID THEY WILL ONLY REPLACE CIRCUIT BREAKER BUT NOT THE FAN WHICH IS NOW FROZE UP AGAIN DUE TO MILEAGE (142,000). I'VE REPLACED MOTOR NO LESS THAN THREE TIMES SINCE 1997 BEFORE FINDING OUT ABOUT RECALL. ALSO I'VE REPLACED A REAR MOTOR MOUNT TWO TO FOUR TIMES SINCE 1997. A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE BOUGHT OR BUILT IN CERTAIN OTHER STATES HAVE RECALLS ON WHAT SOUNDS TO BE THIS SAME PROBLEM CAUSES ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION TO FALL CAUSING ACCIDENT. FORD WILL NOT FIX. COULD I GET HELP FROM YOU IN ORDER TO GET FORD TO REPAIR THEIR DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS. [XXX] *TR

NHTSA ID 10323070 · filed Mar 31, 2010

TRANSMISSION - CAR DOES NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARDS. IT JUST STOPPED SUDDENLY. *TR

NHTSA ID 10241583 · filed Sep 9, 2008
All 152 reports naming transmission

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

93
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

BRAKE LINES AT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WALL FROM THE ABS PUMP RUSTED THROUGH DURING VEHICLE OPERATION CAUSING LOSS OF FLUID AND ABILITY TO SAFELY STOP THE VEHICLE. *JS

NHTSA ID 10616633 · filed Jul 27, 2014

TL* - THE CONTACT CALLED REGARDING THE 1995 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT STEERING WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT. THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO VIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS NEEDING A REALIGNMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT NEED AN ALIGNMENT BEFORE HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR MAINTENANCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES AND THE BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE BOTH 41,658 MILES. *AK

NHTSA ID 10184531 · filed Mar 8, 2007
All 93 reports naming brakes

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

90
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ARRIVING HOME, I PARKED THE CAR IN OUR ATTACHED GARAGE. I WENT INTO THE GARAGE AND I NOTICED THE SMELL OF SOMETHING HOT OR SHORTED COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I BACKED THE CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. THE NEXT DAY, I RECONNECTED THE BATTERY AND NO LONGER NOTICED THE SMELL. I DROVE IT AND THERE WAS NO MORE ODOR. THE SPEED CONTROL FAILED TO OPERATE, AND THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID ON THE WIRING HARNESS AND THE 3 AMP FUSE IN THE WIRNG HARNESS WAS BLOWN, BUT ONLY AFTER COMING CLOSE TO STARTING A FIRE. FORD HAS A HISTORY OF SAFETY PROBLEMS WITH THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH LEAKING BRAKE FLUID ON THE WIRING HARNESS AND CAUSING FIRES. THIS CAR WAS RECALLED IN 2007 TO INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS WITH A 3 AMP FUSE BETWEEN THE SWITCH AND THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO WHERE IT OFFERED NO PROTECTION. THE CAR WAS RECALLED AGAIN IN 2008 TO REPLACE THE FIRST WIRING HARNESS WITH ONE HAVING THE FUSE AHEAD OF THE DEACTIVATION SWITCH. THE 3 AMP FUSE IN SERIES WITH THE 15 AMP FUSE IS FAR LESS LIKELY TO CAUSE A FIRE THAN HAVING ONLY THE 15 AMP FUSE. NEVERTHELESS, I CAME CLOSE TO HAVING A MAJOR FIRE IN OUR HOME WHILE WE WERE INSIDE HAD I NOT NOTICED THE PROBLEM. THE 3 AMP FUSE DID ITS JOB, BUT THERE WAS ENOUGH BRAKE FLUID AND HEAT TO POSSIBLY CAUSE A FIRE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE LEAKING SWITCH AND THE FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THEY CHARGED ME $177.03 FOR THE REPAIR. FORD HAS RECALLED ABOUT 10 MILLION VEHICLES TO ADD THE FUSE, BUT I AM CONVINCED THAT THE DESIGN IS STILL UNSAFE BECAUSE 3 AMPS COULD STILL IGNITE BRAKE FLUID, I HOPE THIS NOTE MAY SAVE OTHERS FROM SERIOUS PROBLEMS, AS MORE OF THESE PRESSURE SWITCHES WILL FAIL WITH AGE AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID ON THE CONTINUOUSLY ENERGIZED WIRING HARNESS. THE 3 AMP FUSES MAY NOT ALWAYS BLOW SOON ENOUGH. *TR

NHTSA ID 10512215 · filed May 15, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH, FLAMES EMITTED FROM THE HOOD, COVERING THE WINDSHIELD. THE COOLANT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED HAT THE RADIATOR AND ELECTRONIC WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 19,000.

NHTSA ID 10475606 · filed Sep 17, 2012
All 90 reports naming electrical

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

85
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING FROM A PARKING SPACE, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE UNDER CARRIAGE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.

NHTSA ID 10543524 · filed Sep 13, 2013

ARRIVING HOME, I PARKED THE CAR IN OUR ATTACHED GARAGE. I WENT INTO THE GARAGE AND I NOTICED THE SMELL OF SOMETHING HOT OR SHORTED COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I BACKED THE CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. THE NEXT DAY, I RECONNECTED THE BATTERY AND NO LONGER NOTICED THE SMELL. I DROVE IT AND THERE WAS NO MORE ODOR. THE SPEED CONTROL FAILED TO OPERATE, AND THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID ON THE WIRING HARNESS AND THE 3 AMP FUSE IN THE WIRNG HARNESS WAS BLOWN, BUT ONLY AFTER COMING CLOSE TO STARTING A FIRE. FORD HAS A HISTORY OF SAFETY PROBLEMS WITH THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH LEAKING BRAKE FLUID ON THE WIRING HARNESS AND CAUSING FIRES. THIS CAR WAS RECALLED IN 2007 TO INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS WITH A 3 AMP FUSE BETWEEN THE SWITCH AND THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO WHERE IT OFFERED NO PROTECTION. THE CAR WAS RECALLED AGAIN IN 2008 TO REPLACE THE FIRST WIRING HARNESS WITH ONE HAVING THE FUSE AHEAD OF THE DEACTIVATION SWITCH. THE 3 AMP FUSE IN SERIES WITH THE 15 AMP FUSE IS FAR LESS LIKELY TO CAUSE A FIRE THAN HAVING ONLY THE 15 AMP FUSE. NEVERTHELESS, I CAME CLOSE TO HAVING A MAJOR FIRE IN OUR HOME WHILE WE WERE INSIDE HAD I NOT NOTICED THE PROBLEM. THE 3 AMP FUSE DID ITS JOB, BUT THERE WAS ENOUGH BRAKE FLUID AND HEAT TO POSSIBLY CAUSE A FIRE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE LEAKING SWITCH AND THE FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THEY CHARGED ME $177.03 FOR THE REPAIR. FORD HAS RECALLED ABOUT 10 MILLION VEHICLES TO ADD THE FUSE, BUT I AM CONVINCED THAT THE DESIGN IS STILL UNSAFE BECAUSE 3 AMPS COULD STILL IGNITE BRAKE FLUID, I HOPE THIS NOTE MAY SAVE OTHERS FROM SERIOUS PROBLEMS, AS MORE OF THESE PRESSURE SWITCHES WILL FAIL WITH AGE AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID ON THE CONTINUOUSLY ENERGIZED WIRING HARNESS. THE 3 AMP FUSES MAY NOT ALWAYS BLOW SOON ENOUGH. *TR

NHTSA ID 10512215 · filed May 15, 2013
All 85 reports naming driver assistance

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

69
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THIS PAST SUNDAY, ON JUNE 11, 2017 I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM A GRADUATION PARTY AND THERE WAS A LOUD "POW" ONCE I ACCELERATED FROM A STOP. MY STEERING WAS VERY STIFF (AS IF I WAS DRIVING AN ANCIENT LARGE TRUCK WITH NO POWER STEERING, ALSO MY EXHAUST SYSTEM AT LEAST PARTIALLY CAME UNDUN. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CRIPPLED CAR TO OUR REGULAR REPAIR SHOP, WHO TOLD ME THAT I HAD A SUBFRAME RUST-COLLAPSE. I HAD TALKED TO A SHADETREE MECHANIC FRIEND, WHO SAID THAT IT WASN'T AN ACTUAL SUBFRAME COLLAPSE, BUT THE NEXT LAYER UP, THE ENGINE CRADLE WHOSE SLEEVES ARE NO THICKER STEEL THAN THE UNIBODY SHEETMETAL. ONE OF THE SLEEVES RUSTED THROUGH. SUPPOSEDLY THE ENGINE CRADLE SLEEVES ARE REMOVABLE/OR THE CRADLE ITSELF. MY MECHANIC FRIEND AND THE TOW FELLOW THAT BROUGHT MY CAR BACK TO MY HOME, BOTH SAID THAT WHAT HAPPENED IS QUITE RARE, THEY NEVER HEARD OF SUCH AN INCIDENT. THE CRADLE RUST THROUGH CAUSED MY FRONT SUBFRAME TO PARTIALLY COLLAPSE AND THE ENGINE IS TILTED DOWN ON THE RIGHT-FRONT. THIS DISCONNECTED THE EXHAUST AND BOUND-UP MY RACK-AND-PINION STEERING, RENDERING THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THIS CAR IS NOT A RUST-BUCKET, NO RUSTY BODY PANEL HOLES, AND EVERYTHING ELSE STILL WORKS! JUST THE PAINT AND CLEARCOAT ARE FLAKING-OFF. I HAVE LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND SEARCHED LOCAL SALVAGE YARDS, BUT CANNOT FIND A GOOD ENGINE CRADLE/SLEEVES. YET, THERE ARE SCADS OF GOOD TAURUS ENGINES CHEAPLY AVAILABLE. WHY DIDN'T FORD OFFER REPLACEMENT ENGINE CRADLE/SLEEVES? WAS THERE NO RECALL? I'D BET I'M NOT THE ONLY PERSON THIS HAPPENED TO!! I WOULD LIKE TO GET THIS CAR FIXED! I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE SUBFRAME FALLEN AFTER THE ENGINE CRADLE FAILURE. PLEASE SEND ME AN E-MAIL ADDRESS I CAN UPLOAD THEM TO. I LOSE THIS PAGE IF I TRY TO UPLOAD HERE (4TH TIME!)

NHTSA ID 10995826 · filed Jun 19, 2017

SUB FRAME.

NHTSA ID 10811222 · filed Dec 19, 2015
All 69 reports naming suspension

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

55
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

REAR-ENDED AN SUV GOING APPROXIMATELY 30-40 MPH, TOTALING BOTH VEHICLES AND CAUSING CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF MY TAURUS. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

NHTSA ID 10212117 · filed Dec 17, 2007

I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT TWO WEEKS AGO. I HIT A TREE IN THE FRONT OF MY CAR AND THEN FLIPPED IT ON ITS SIDE THE AIR BAGS DINT GO OFF WHEN I FIRST HIT THE TREE. I FRACTURED MY BACK, HAVE SEVERE BRUISING ON MY LUNGS, AND 9 STITCHES IN MY RIGHT KNEE. NOTHING WAS DONE TO THE CAR TO FIX IT BECAUSE IT WAS TOTALED. *NM

NHTSA ID 10171227 · filed Oct 18, 2006
All 55 reports naming airbags

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

55
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SUB FRAME.

NHTSA ID 10811222 · filed Dec 19, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME MOUNTED BOLTS FRACTURED WHEN DRIVING OVER AN UNLEVELED ROAD. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME, THE FRONT MOUNT BOLTS, THE REINFORCEMENT PLATES, AND THE ENGINE CRADLE FRACTURED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 98V323000 (STRUCTURE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 239,000.

NHTSA ID 10733557 · filed Jul 13, 2015
All 55 reports naming body & structure

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

53
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AFTER FILLING THE VEHICLE WITH FUEL, VEHICLE WAS PARKED, CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE FUEL SPILLED ALL OVER THE DRIVEWAY. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO DISCOVERED THAT FUEL TANK HAD A VERY BIG CRACK IN IT. THERE ARE RECALLS ON THE FUEL TANK, RECALL 97V144000 AND 97V145000 WERE ISSUED ON THIS PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ID 10095193 · filed Oct 6, 2004

I BOUGHT THE CAR ABOUT A YEAR AND HALF AGO AND RIGHT OFF WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. VERY DISAPPIONTED BECAUSE I LOVE MY FORDS I CHECKED THE FLUILDS AND KEPT IT UP HAD THE GASKET REPLACED. AND IT STILL JERKS INTO GEAR BUT ITS AN AUTOMATIC ! WHAT CONCERNS ME NOW MY I HAD MY ROTARS AND BRAKES REPLACED AND MY CAR IS STILL EATING UP TIRES TOO AND BOUNCING ALL OVER THE ROAD!! *AK

NHTSA ID 10081038 · filed Jul 14, 2004
All 53 reports naming fuel system

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

39
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

OUTER TIE RODS GONE BAD AT 80,000KM SPEEDOMETER JUMPS AT 60,000KM FRONT POWER WINDOWS GONE BAD AT 90,000KM I ONLY HAVE 96,000KM ON MY 1995 FORD TAURUS SE ITS NOW 2009. *TR

NHTSA ID 10277215 · filed Jul 17, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HAZARD LIGHTS ARE WIRED INCORRECTLY. HE WAS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEN HE DISCOVERED THAT BOTH THE HAZARD AND TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 106,000. UPDATED 4/2/08 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED IN THE ICESTORM WIPER'S ICED UP. UPDATED 04/02/08 *TR

NHTSA ID 10220437 · filed Mar 7, 2008
All 39 reports naming visibility

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

39
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THIS PAST SUNDAY, ON JUNE 11, 2017 I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM A GRADUATION PARTY AND THERE WAS A LOUD "POW" ONCE I ACCELERATED FROM A STOP. MY STEERING WAS VERY STIFF (AS IF I WAS DRIVING AN ANCIENT LARGE TRUCK WITH NO POWER STEERING, ALSO MY EXHAUST SYSTEM AT LEAST PARTIALLY CAME UNDUN. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CRIPPLED CAR TO OUR REGULAR REPAIR SHOP, WHO TOLD ME THAT I HAD A SUBFRAME RUST-COLLAPSE. I HAD TALKED TO A SHADETREE MECHANIC FRIEND, WHO SAID THAT IT WASN'T AN ACTUAL SUBFRAME COLLAPSE, BUT THE NEXT LAYER UP, THE ENGINE CRADLE WHOSE SLEEVES ARE NO THICKER STEEL THAN THE UNIBODY SHEETMETAL. ONE OF THE SLEEVES RUSTED THROUGH. SUPPOSEDLY THE ENGINE CRADLE SLEEVES ARE REMOVABLE/OR THE CRADLE ITSELF. MY MECHANIC FRIEND AND THE TOW FELLOW THAT BROUGHT MY CAR BACK TO MY HOME, BOTH SAID THAT WHAT HAPPENED IS QUITE RARE, THEY NEVER HEARD OF SUCH AN INCIDENT. THE CRADLE RUST THROUGH CAUSED MY FRONT SUBFRAME TO PARTIALLY COLLAPSE AND THE ENGINE IS TILTED DOWN ON THE RIGHT-FRONT. THIS DISCONNECTED THE EXHAUST AND BOUND-UP MY RACK-AND-PINION STEERING, RENDERING THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THIS CAR IS NOT A RUST-BUCKET, NO RUSTY BODY PANEL HOLES, AND EVERYTHING ELSE STILL WORKS! JUST THE PAINT AND CLEARCOAT ARE FLAKING-OFF. I HAVE LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND SEARCHED LOCAL SALVAGE YARDS, BUT CANNOT FIND A GOOD ENGINE CRADLE/SLEEVES. YET, THERE ARE SCADS OF GOOD TAURUS ENGINES CHEAPLY AVAILABLE. WHY DIDN'T FORD OFFER REPLACEMENT ENGINE CRADLE/SLEEVES? WAS THERE NO RECALL? I'D BET I'M NOT THE ONLY PERSON THIS HAPPENED TO!! I WOULD LIKE TO GET THIS CAR FIXED! I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE SUBFRAME FALLEN AFTER THE ENGINE CRADLE FAILURE. PLEASE SEND ME AN E-MAIL ADDRESS I CAN UPLOAD THEM TO. I LOSE THIS PAGE IF I TRY TO UPLOAD HERE (4TH TIME!)

NHTSA ID 10995826 · filed Jun 19, 2017

I WAS DRIVING ALONG WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN A BIG BANG CAR SLAMMED PAVEMENT BEGAN TO SWERVE. STARTED SMOKING OFF BURNED RUBBER TIRE POPPED AN CAR WAS BROKE DOWN WHEEL DANGLING. *TR

NHTSA ID 10573609 · filed Mar 19, 2014
All 39 reports naming steering

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

24
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVING AT 65MPH ON THE FREEWAY, MY CAR STARTED TO VIBRATE BAD AND THEN THE RIGHT BACK TIRE BLEW OUT A FEW MINUTES LATER. THE TIRE WAS FAIRLY NEW AND IN GREAT SHAPE WITH GREAT TREAD STILL ALL AROUND IT. WE REPLACED THE TIRE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10356265 · filed Sep 18, 2010

PURCHASED 2 FIRESTONE FR 380 ON 7/21/09 AND HAD THEM PUT ON REAR.ON 7/28/09 WHILE TRAVELING ON FREEWAY AT 70MPH SUDDENLY DRIVER REAR TIRE FAILED. PEOPLE IN CAR BEHIND REPORTED TIRE SUDDENLY WENT FLAT AND HUB CAP FLEW OFF. DAUGHTER LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND WENT INTO DITCH AND ALMOST FLIPPED HIT MANY SMALL TREES 1 3 INCHES IN DIAMETER CAR CAME TO A STOP PASSENGERS NOT HURT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10279241 · filed Aug 3, 2009
All 24 reports naming tires & wheels

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

22
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995, FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING PROPERLY. CONTACT COULD NOT TELL HOW FAST HE WAS GOING BECAUSE THE SPEEDOMETER WAS NOT WORKING. WHEN GETTING OFF AT THE EXIT THE VEHICLE WAS BEGINNING TO SLOW DOWN. HE THOUGHT THE CAR WAS OVERHEATING. WHILE TRYING TO GET OFF OF THE ROAD SAW SMOKE APPEARING FROM THE RIGHT TIRE ON THE FRONT. SOMEONE CAME UP TO HIM AND HE TURNED THE CAR OFF AND JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR HE LOOKED UNDER THE CAR AND SAW FIRE COMING FROM THE GAS TANK. THE AIR INTAKE AND BATTERY MELTED. ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS STILL WORKED BECAUSE IT DID NOT GET INTO THE FIRE WALL. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD ENOUGH TIME TO SALVAGE MOST OF THE VEHICLE. IT WAS UNKNOWN WHERE THE FIRE STARTED. THE DOME LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OFF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OFF. WHEN CONTACT NOTICED THESE LIGHTS WERE ON HE TOOK THE FUSE OUT THAT CONTROLS THESE LIGHTS BUT SINCE HE WAS GOING ON A LONG DRIVE . BACK HOME HE PUT THE FUSE BACK IN TO LISTEN TO THE RADIO. THEN WHILE DRIVING HOME THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK

NHTSA ID 10125703 · filed Jun 17, 2005

THE VEHICLE HAD A CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD. THE DOORS WOULD NOT LOCK AUTOMATICALLY AS THEY SHOULD. *TC THE WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DOME LIGHT FAILED. THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. *NM

NHTSA ID 10105270 · filed Dec 21, 2004
All 22 reports naming interior & seats

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

19
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HAZARD LIGHTS ARE WIRED INCORRECTLY. HE WAS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEN HE DISCOVERED THAT BOTH THE HAZARD AND TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 106,000. UPDATED 4/2/08 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED IN THE ICESTORM WIPER'S ICED UP. UPDATED 04/02/08 *TR

NHTSA ID 10220437 · filed Mar 7, 2008

1995 FORD TAURAS AND THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE DISCOLORED SO BADLY THAT IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE AT NIGHT. I HAVE TRIED ALL TYPES OF PLASTIC CLEANERS AND NOTHING WORKS. THE ONLY ALTERNATIVE IS TO REPLACE THE LENS WITH NEW. I CALLED FORD AND THEY HAVE NO RECALL FOR THIS HAZARDOUS CONDITION. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED OTHER TAURAS' ON THE ROAD WITH THE SAME CONDITION.

NHTSA ID 10129580 · filed Jul 21, 2005
All 19 reports naming exterior lighting

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

NAR-PER *AAJ ON 07/02/2003. *SCC THE HOSE SPLIT ON THE AIR CONDITIONER AND SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD REQUIRING THE CONSUMER NOT TO HAVE ANY AIR OR HEAT. REPAIRS CAUSED APPROX $1486.33. THE CONSUMER THEN RECEIVED A RECALL, SO SHE TOOK THE RECALL NOTICE AND THE RECEIPTS OF MONEY SPENT TO FIX THE RECALL PROBLEM TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT THEY TOLD HER THE WARRANTY DID NOT COVER IT. THE CONSUMER IS VERY DISSATISFIED AND NEED ASSISTANCE IN CHOOSING A GOOD WARRANTY. *CB *JB

NHTSA ID 564663 · filed Jul 2, 2003

THE CAR HAS HAD PROBLEMS STARTING FROM THE DAY IT WAS DELIVERED. THE PROBLEMS BEGAN WITH FLAKING PAINT, MISALIGNED HOOD, DOOR AND BUMPER DUE TO POOR QUALITY CONTROL. THESE PROBLEMS WERE FIXED BY DEALER W/O CHARGE, AS WAS THE HEAD GASKET FAILURE. REPAIRS FOR MUFFLER FAILURE, SWAY BAR LINKAGE FAILURE, AIR CONDITIONER FAILURE AND STARTER MOTOR FAILURE WERE NOT COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER UNDER ANY SORT OF RECALL. THE MOST RECENT PROBLEM WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER AND STARTER MOTOR COST OVER $1200 TO FIX. THE PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION SYSTEM WAS INTERMITTENT. SOME TIMES THE CAR WOULD START AND OTHER TIMES THE STARTER WOULD NOT ENGAGE AT ALL. ONE TIME THE ENGINE SIMPLY DIED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. STARTER MOTOR WOULD NOT ENGAGE UNTIL ENGINE COOLED DOWN AND HAD BEEN SITTING FOR AN HOUR OR TWO. THEN STARTER MOTOR WOULD WORK. MECHANIC AT DEALERSHIP SAID THE STARTER MOTOR PROBABLY HAD "DEAD" AREAS IN STARTER MOTOR THAT MAY BE CAUSING INTERMITTENT FAILURE. AIR CONDITIONER FAILURE ATTRIBUTED TO FAILURE OF "MOTOR MOUNTS" THAT CAUSED RUPTURE OF MULTIPLE HOSES IN AIR CONDITIONING UNIT. I'VE NEVER HAD A VEHICLE WITH SO MANY EQUIPMENT FAILURES WITH THIS TYPE OF MILEAGE.*AK

NHTSA ID 766712 · filed Sep 4, 2002
All 18 reports naming heating & air conditioning

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

12/18/96: THE TARAUS I WAS DRIVING WAS HIT IN THE SIDE BY ANOTHER CAR. I WAS THROWN INTO MY SHOULDER HARNESS, WHICH FUNCTIONS MORE AS A "NECK NOOSE". WITHIN 24 HOURS, I HAD SWELLING, BURNING, PAIN IN MY NECK AND SHOULDER WHERE I HAD COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE SHOULDER HARNESS. WHEN MY INJURY WAS ABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED, WHICH TOOK TWO YEARS (2), BEFORE THE "BLOOD FLOW" CHANGED ENOUGH TO BE DIAGNOSED ON A 3-PHASE BONE SCAN AT MAYO CLINIC, I LEARNED I HAD REFLEX SYMPATHETIC DYSTROPHY, ALSO KNOWN AS COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME.(RSD & CRPS). BOTH ARE KNOWN TO BE THE HIGHEST ON THE MCGILL PAIN INDEX FOR "TYPES OF PAIN", AT LEVEL 42. CANCER IS 28, AND NO PAIN IS 0. WHEN I LEARNED THAT I HAD RSD AND THAT IT BEGAN AT MY NECK INJURY, I CONTACTED FORD'S LEGAL DEPARTMENT, TO ASK THAT THEY CHANGE MY SEAT BELT TO THE NEW DESIGN THEY IMPLEMENTED IN 1996 MODELS (RSD ONLY GOES INTO REMISSION, WHEN TREATABLE. FORD DIDN'T "REFUSE" TO CHANGE MY SEAT BELT, BUT MERELY "IGNORED ME". I SPOKE WITH AND FAXED CHRIS IN THEIR LEGAL DEPARTMENT. I ASKED THE VP OF FORD, MR. SHEELE, ON 7/11/03 TO MAKE THE SAME REPAIR, WHEN I TOLD HIM OF THE MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH SERVICE, QUALITY, AND REPAIR FROM FORD. I HAVE HEARD FROM CUSTOMER SERVICE, BUT WITH NO ACTION, HOWEVER I HAVE NEVER HEARD FROM MR. SCHEELE'S OFFICE, REGARDING MY SEAT BELT PROBLEM. FORD KNEW OF A PROBLEM WITH "WHERE" THE SEAT BELTS CROSSED NECKS, WHICH IS WHY THEY CHANGED THE DESIGN IN 1996! I WISH I'D KNOWN ABOUT THIS BEFORE MY ACCIDENT, SO THAT I COULD HAVE BOUGHT A SAVER EUROPEAN CAR. NOW, I HAVE A HIGH LEVEL OF PAIN FOR LIFE, CALLED RSD, WHICH TRAVELS. MY LIFE HAS BEEN ON "HOLD" SINCE 12/18/96 AND I CANNOT "PLAN" ANYTHING. I MUST CARRY MY "MEDICAL RECORDS" WITH ME ANYWHERE I GO, BECUASE OF THE NATURE OF MY TREATMENT, AND THE DRUGS INVOLVED. WWW.RSDSA.ORG TO "SEE" WHAT I LOOKED LIKE, AND HOW I HURT. 1988-1995 SEAT BELTS ARE OF THE SAME DEFECTIVE DESIGN.*AK

NHTSA ID 10025998 · filed Jul 13, 2003

THE PLASTIC PIECE THAT ATTATCHES THE TWO STRAPS ON HER CHEST BROKE OPEN AND SHE HIT THE BACK OF MY DRIVERS SIDE SEAT.

NHTSA ID 9005831 · filed Feb 15, 2002
All 13 reports naming seat belts

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

COOLING FAN ON MY 1995 FORD TAURUS BURNED UP. I COMPLIED WITH [NHTSA RECALL NO. 01V390/FORD RECALL NO. 01S30] IN NOV. 2002. I THOUGHT THAT WAS SUPPOSE TO PREVENT THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. *JB

NHTSA ID 10014030 · filed Apr 6, 2003

INACCURATE TEMP GAUGE OCCURES MOSTLY IN BRIGHT SUNLIGHT (GAUGE IS 20 DEGREES BELOW REPORTED TEMP,THIS IS EVEN AFTER DRIVING 15+ MILES OR 20+ MINS.) PRESSURE TEST HAS BEEN DONE ON COOLING SYS.,NO LEAKS,LOSING ANTI-FREEZE SOMEWHERE,HAVE TO ADD FLUID OCCASIONALLY. BRAND NEW TIRES,HAVE 6,000 MILES ON THEM.VIBRATION STARTED AFTER PURCHASE,SPEEDS ABOVE 65 MPH. BALANCED AGAIN, STILL VIBRATING ABOVE 65 MPH.( DOT NUMBER: 2242KPRL TIRE SIZE: MSP2056592 )

NHTSA ID 715270 · filed Nov 26, 1999

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

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